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Congressman Garamendi Visits Important Wind Power Project in Solano County, Vows to Fight for More Federal Assistance for Clean Power

February 22, 2010

Press Release

SUISUN CITY, CA – Congressman John Garamendi (D-Walnut Creek), today joined wind power experts in Solano County on a tour of the Shiloh II wind power project developed and managed by enXco. The Shiloh II project located in the Montezuma Hills Wind Resource Area provides clean electricity to approximately 74,000 PG&E customers annually.

"Standing here on these beautiful rolling hills, it’s encouraging to remember that the exhilarating breezes produced by nature here are capable of providing clean power to 74,000 Californians – nature providing opportunities to protect nature," said Congressman Garamendi, a member of the House Science and Technology Committee. "The Shiloh II project is precisely the type of clean technology project that Congress should promote. Environmental protection and job creation aren’t just compatible; with the coming climate change calamity, they’re intimately linked. Like Shiloh II, we must prioritize clean energy projects that green our planet and our wallets."

"We commend Congressman Garamendi’s long-time advocacy of renewable energy. As a leader on this important issue, both Solano County and California will benefit from the Congressman’s commitment to a clean energy future," said Jim Walker, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of enXco. "As a long-term member of the community, enXco looks forward to working with Congressman Garamendi to expand renewable energy projects for the benefit of the community and to help PG&E meet its Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) obligations."

Built in 2008, the Shiloh II project created 300 construction jobs, infused over 50 million dollars in the local economy, annually reduces CO2 emissions by an equivalent of almost 60,000 passenger vehicles, and generates nearly $3 million in annual property tax revenues for Solano County.

"Shiloh II is enXco’s most recent contribution to the local wind resource area. It represents jobs now, energy security and carbon free energy," said Mark Tholke, Southwest Regional Director for enXco. "We are honored to have Congressman Garamendi visit the site today to meet our employees and see first-hand the success that comes as a result of the dedication and collaboration with the local community, Solano County, Travis Air Force Base and PG&E."

Following the site tour, Congressman Garamendi met with officials from enXco to discuss future wind projects in North America that will continue to produce local jobs. In 2009, during a recession, enXco’s solar and wind projects in North America created close to 150 jobs.

The Shiloh II Wind Project, valued at over $300 million, represents one of two wind energy facilities built in California in 2008. This 150 MW project, six times larger than the other facility, comes as a result of four years of dedication and steadfast support from numerous stakeholders to further develop wind projects in Solano County. Collaborative efforts by enXco, Pacific Gas & Electric, Solano County, and Travis Air Force Base, as well as landowner and community leadership of Rio Vista brought this impressive project to completion.

The project further represents the largest global installation of the REpower MM92 turbine. The 75 turbines stand amongst 6,100 acres of farmland, 98% of which remain usable for farming and ranching, in the rolling hills of the Montezuma Hills Wind Resource Area.